A novel stentless mitral valve

Stentless mitral valves have found little clinical utility to date due to difficulty in insertion. A new design for a stentless mitral valve, a modification of an existing aortic stentless prosthesis, is described. The new design mimics the native mitral physiology, and its insertion is easier than with existing stentless mitral valves. Commercially available stentless aortic valves were inserted into 2 pigs. The valves were modified so that the commissural posts were restrained. The valves were partially recessed into the left ventricular cavity, secured to the annulus, and anchored to the native papillary muscles. Both pigs were weaned from bypass successfully, and both valves functioned normally with trace regurgitation noted on echocardiography. This design affords the benefit of the reapproximation of native physiology. Preservation of papillary-annular continuity should allow maximal left ventricular function. Lack of a stent should allow avoidance of long-term anticoagulation.